Saturday of the Third week of Easter

The Sacred Scriptures contain the word of God and since they are inspired, really are the word of God; and so the study of the sacred page is, as it were, the soul of sacred theology. By the same word of Scripture the ministry of the word also, that is, pastoral preaching, catechetics and all Christian instruction... is nourished in a healthy way and flourishes in a holy way...

The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful... to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Ph 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ."(St Jerome) Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through instructions suitable for the purpose and other aids which, in our time, with approval and active support of the shepherds of the Church, are commendably spread everywhere. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying" (St Ambrose)...

In this way, therefore, through the reading and study of the sacred books "the word of God may spread rapidly and be glorified" (2 Th 3:1) and the treasure of revelation, entrusted to the Church, may more and more fill the hearts of men. Just as the life of the Church is strengthened through more frequent celebration of the Eucharistic mystery, similarly we may hope for a new stimulus for the life of the Spirit from a growing reverence for the word of God, which "lasts forever" (Is. 40:8; 1 Pt 1:23-25).